Micheal Ward, the BAFTA-winning actor recognized for his performances in productions such as *Top Boy*, *Small Axe*, and *Blue Story*, has been formally charged with rape.
Mr. Ward, 27, residing in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, faces two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault, according to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police.
Authorities indicate that the alleged offenses involve a single woman and reportedly occurred in January 2023.
The actor initially gained prominence for his role in the critically acclaimed film *Blue Story* in 2019, subsequently receiving the Rising Star Award at the BAFTA Film Awards the following year.
From 2019 to 2022, he portrayed Jamie in the popular Netflix series *Top Boy* and garnered a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTA TV Awards for his work in *Small Axe* in 2021.
The Jamaican-born actor also appeared in the well-received 2022 drama *Empire of Light* and is slated to feature in the upcoming US Western film *Eddington*, set during a pandemic, which is scheduled for release in the UK on August 22.
Mr. Ward is scheduled to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court in London on August 28.
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware of the Metropolitan Police stated, “Our specialist officers are providing ongoing support to the woman who has come forward. We recognize that investigations of this nature can significantly impact those who make reports.”
Catherine Baccas, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, commented, “Following a thorough review of the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Micheal Ward, 27, with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023.”
She added, “We remind all parties concerned that legal proceedings against the suspect are active, and he is entitled to a fair trial.”
“It is imperative that there be no reporting, commentary, or online sharing of information that could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
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